Daley Mathison talks roads, short circuits and plans for the future…

ROADS favourite and short circuit dabbler Daley Mathison says he feels confident about the season ahead – and is already looking towards 2018 – following a successful Oliver’s Mount outing at the weekend.

The two-time TT Zero podium man and Moto E European champ has proved he is as serious a threat on the petrol machines this year following a string of solid results.

All smiles – Mathison scored his second consecutive TT Zero podium in June…

The 25-year-old took the fight to Dean Harrison throughout the whole Cock O’ The North meeting at Scarborough over the weekend, but was unable to topple the Mount master, despite a sterling effort.

“I went to Oliver’s Mount looking for a podium in the Cock O’ The North race and hopefully get a few wins in across the weekend,” he told UK Clubsport.

“But Dean is just impossible to beat around there. He has dominated every weekend here for the past three years. Everyone loves watching him there and he’s got a lot of fans, but I’m sure it’s time someone beat him and I’d like that to be me.”

Finishing second in the feature race aboard a BMW S1000RR and picking up numerous runner-up trophies over the weekend on both it and his trusty Suzuki GSXR600, the Eddie Stobart Racing rider’s motorhome was positively clanking to the sound of silverware as he made the trip back to his Teesside home.

“I would never have believed I would go under Guy’s lap record, even though I knew it would take that to beat Dean but unfortunately, he upped the game.

Mathison had hoped to topple Dean Harrison at Oliver’s Mount, but admitted that getting underneath Guy Martin’s lap record was a big achievement…

“But to be second fastest man around there is no mean feat. The Eddie Stobart BMW was outstanding all weekend”

The weekend’s success comes shortly after his best trip to the Isle of Man TT to date, where not only did he score his second consecutive TT Zero podium, he got his best ever Senior TT finish as he crossed the line 13th.

“The Zero race was great, I don’t think the TV did it justice to be honest. I was only one mph slower than the full factory Mugen ridden by Guy Martin, and it was such an achievement for the Nottingham University team, I think the TV could’ve made more of it.

“But I was probably even more pleased with my 13th in the Senior with a 128mph lap. From there it has to the 130 next and it gives me something to work on for next year.”

TT and the Cock O’ The North now done, Mathison has already turned his focus to the next big event in his 2017 calendar, the Ulster Grand Prix in August.

Last year he was forced to miss the event due to a date clash with the Moto E championship, so is looking to make amends this time.

“I like the Ulster, it’s one of the big three internationals and I look at it as a very important round, and one I really enjoy.

“My best result there on a Superbike has been a fifth, and that was on an old Suzuki. I think if I could that on that bike, then I should be able to be battling for podiums this year.”

Mathison has also been active on the short circuits this season, having entered a handful of rounds of the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 championship where he scored a best result of 12th at Oulton Park, as well as taking a big haul of silverware away from a Darley Moor meeting in April.

Mathison took a brace of wins at Darley Moor in April…

And he admits he hasn’t ruled out more action on the short circuits, with plans to return to the BSB paddock for more Superstock action later in the year if finances allow it.

“I learnt a lot racing there, I picked up more in three races than I’ve learnt in three years on the roads, and that’s because I was against some of the best short circuit racers in the country.

“It’s definitely improved my riding, I think it’s a great series and I’d like to do more. I’m not saying I would stop racing the roads, I love the TT, Oliver’s Mount, and all of those big events, but I certainly won’t rule short circuits out.

“I’m 25, and yes, I am still young but I know I need to really start making an impact now. I’m happy with how I’ve progressed but now I just want to be thinking wins, podiums and doing whatever I can to be the best.”